Tofino BC Black Bear Photography Workshop 2024

Join wildlife photographer Jared VanderMeer on the ultimate 3-day black bear photography workshop – focused on showcasing Vancouver Island’s resident bear species in and around Tofino, BC.

Visit one of the world’s most amazing oceanside surf towns. Every year black bear spend thw winter (rainy months) in hibernation, and then come out in spring through fall to gorge on Vancouver Islands’ rich protein sources. Each day we will be taking tours from Tofino, BC with a local eco-tour provider. In this workshop, you will go through 6 half-day training sessions focussed specifically on improving your wildlife photography skills.

In this guided workshop we will take you out safely each day in a boat searching for black bears foraging for food along the shoreline. After the black bear tour, which corresponds with the low tide of the day, we will spend the rest of the day searching for other species and birds such as the Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Bald Eagle, Anna’s Hummingbird, Hairy and Pileated Woodpecker, Redtail Hawk, Northern Flicker, Barred Owl and more.

*Note that specific wildlife viewings are not guaranteed. Each time of year focuses on hotspots and species that are the most likely to be found, and we will adapt the locations and itinerary based on the weather and the group’s photography goals.

What is included in this Tour:

Photography Guide during the Daily Photography Hours of 6:00am – 5:00pm
Lunch is provided
Snacks and Water
6 Half-Day Wildlife Photography Skill sessions focussed on: Finding Wildlife, Camera Setup, Shutter Speed, Planning Light, Capturing Detail and Editing
Location scouting and planning prior to the Tour

What is not included in the Tour:

Hotels and Accommodation
Transportation to and from the Daily tour sites
Breakfast and Dinner
Photography Equipment

What we recommend bringing to the Tour:

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Knee Padding
A minimum of 200mm Lens, 400-600mm is recommended
Camouflage Clothing
Rain Jacket and Camera Cover if needed
Reusable Water Bottle

Sample Workshop Itinerary

Day 1: Activity Details

Meet at 7:30am Sharp near The Boat Launch

Skills Session: Finding Wildlife

Depart at 8:30am-11:00am on a Black Bear Tour

Skills Session: Finding Wildlife

Looking for Black Bears, rare Coastal Sea Wolves, Bald Eagles and Harbour Seals

Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm

Skills Session: Camera Setup

Move to downtown Tofino

Move to Local Shoreline Park 1:00pm-3:30pm

Skills Session: Camera Setup

Looking for Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers and various Shoreline Birds

Close the day out Around 4:00pm

Day 2: Activity Details

Meet at 7:30am Sharp near The Boat Launch

Skills Session: Shutter Speed

Depart at 8:30am-11:00am on a Black Bear Tour

Skills Session: Shutter Speed

Looking for Black Bears, rare Coastal Sea Wolves, Bald Eagles and Harbour Seals

Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm

Skills Session: Planning Light

Move to downtown Tofino

Move to Local Beach 1:00pm-3:30pm

Skills Session: Planning Light

Looking for Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers and various Shoreline Birds

Close the day out Around 4:00pm

Day 3: Activity Details

Meet at 7:30am Sharp near The Boat Launch

Skills Session: Capturing Detail

Depart at 8:30am-11:00am on a Black Bear Tour

Skills Session: Capturing Detail

Looking for Black Bears, rare Coastal Sea Wolves, Bald Eagles and Harbour Seals

Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm

Skills Session: Editing

Move to downtown Tofino

Move to Local Old Growth Forest 1:00pm-3:30pm

Skills Session: Editing

Looking for Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers and various Shoreline Birds

Close the Workshop Around 4:00pm

Adult price from $2,500.00* CAD plus fees and taxes.
This workshop runs with a maximum group size of 8 guests.

Tours Dates

Notes:

Cancellation policy:

– Full refund available for cancellations 30 days or more before to the Tour.
– 50% refund for cancellation between 29 and 8 days before the Tour.
– No refund for cancellation 7 days or less prior to the Tour.

Or email info@nearmevictoria.com to reserve your spot today.

About the Tour Guide

Jared Vandermeer

Jared VanderMeer is a Victoria, BC based wildlife photographer who focuses primarily on documenting the rich wildlife and bird species that Vancouver Island has to offer.

NearMe discussion with the guide:

Tell us about your photography style? “I often describe my photography style as being colourful.. What I mean by this, is that I focus on exposing the image and editing it in colours that are true to nature.”

Describe to potential attendees your photography process? “My process is quite simple. Be in the right spot, be patient for the right moment, be ready, and don’t miss! Yes, I know easier said than done. I snap often on burst mode and then edit the images the same day. trying to capture my memories best recognition of the moment and colours in the edit that I produce.”

What style of workshop do you run? “I tend to run with the goals of the group, working on a constant QandA style Tour. While we will have specific goals and skills to work on each day together, if a question or situation comes up, we will tackle that challenge head-on and learn together from each other.”